look for the good

Trying to change someone is a waste of time. The very thought of changing someone is saying that they are not good enough as they are, and it is soaked with judgment and disapproval. That is not a thought of appreciation or love, and those thoughts will only bring separation between you and that person.

You must look for the good in people to have more of it appear. As you look only for the good things in a person, you will be amazed at what your new focus reveals.

- lessons from The Secret

miami days

I arrived in Miami this afternoon for a one-week First World escapade. My awesome friends Kevin and Linda met me at the airport. For both Kevin and me, Linda is "Mamita," our second mom. These days Mamita is looking young enough to be our sister (okayyy!). We struck a pose for the My Roatan blog.

shout out

A special shout out to my friends in Camarillo, California. You know who you are!  :)

you saw it here first

A sneak preview of Paya Bay's 1/2-page ad in the fall and winter editions of N magazine, "The Magazine of Naturist Living." N is published by The Naturist Society.  (Click image to enlarge). Learn more about naturism, here.

panoramic bliss

A panoramic view of Bliss Beach at dusk. Click image to see the larger version. Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

Photo: Don Atkins

love is the only way

The law of attraction cannot change anything in your life that you hate, because hate prevents the change from coming. Since the law is giving us exactly what we are putting out, when you hate something the law must continue to give you more of what you hate. You will not be able to move away from it. Love is the only way.

If you focus completely on the things you love, then you are on your way to a beautiful life.

- lessons from The Secret

paya sunrise

The start of another beautiful day at Paya.

Photo: Don Atkins.

blooming orchids

In July many of the species of orchids found at Paya Bay (all native to Roatan) put out their gorgeous blooms.

overheard

Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit.

LOL. Don't ask.

photo of the day

Special guests Olivia and Bill tap into the resort's wi-fi (and Lucky's amazing energy) as they chill on the main deck. Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

utila highlight

Using wine bottles, ceramic plates, glass marbles, tiles and a variety of other "media," the owner of the Jade Seahorse in Utila has turned his property into a surreal psychedelic park that is fascinating to explore.

Methinks fun shrooms are growing someplace in Utila. Maybe on Pumpkin Hill?...

quirky utila

Yesterday was my friend Giampiero's birthday, and to celebrate he organized a trip with friends to Utila (one of Roatan's sister islands). We departed from West Bay aboard the Mama Iolanda in the early morning of what promised to be a day full of fun and adventure.

Giampiero (left) and other friends catch some rays during the one-hour run from Roatan to Utila.

Land ho! Utila is a relatively low-lying island with one hill. It's called "Pumpkin Hill," the reason for which is not immediately obvious to me. This is but one of the quirks of this quirky little island about 20 miles to the west of Roatan.

East Harbour, Utila's main town, has grown substantially since the last time I visited twenty years ago. The economy now depends primarily on tourism, particularly young, budget-conscious travelers seeking a cheap place to become Scuba certified and dive.

A charming (and very clean) island town with narrow streets and a fascinating blend of locals and tourists, old and new structures, as well as friendly, smiling people, East Harbour reminded me a bit of Provincetown, Massachusetts. Like P-Town, I would even go as far as saying there is something "European" about this town's energy.

Golf carts, motorbikes, and bicycles are the locals' preferred mode of transportation. Here "granny" maneuvers her cart as close to the "curve" as she can to leave space for other vehicles on the narrow street. So sweet and hobbit-like!

A senior Utila dog naps on the porch and dreams of bygone days.

inspired action

Be aware of the big difference between inspired action and activity. Activity comes from the brain-mind and is rooted in disbelief and lack of faith - you are taking action to "make" your desire happen. Inspired action is allowing the law to work through you and to move you.

Activity feels hard. Inspired action feels wonderful.

- lessons from The Secret

what a feeling!

The Spanish team celebrates their new FIFA World Champions status. Felicidades españoles!

Photo El Heraldo

luckovich

Courtesy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

mango season

Summer in Roatan also means it is mango season. These succulent, fleshy fruit come in many varieties with slightly different and distinct flavors. Mom makes homemade mango jam (yum!) for the resort while the fruit are plentiful.

cute island bungalows

Our comfortable bungalow-styled rooms are getting cuter and cuter all the time with the ongoing redecoration project.

All our units have individual A/C systems, yet many guests prefer to open the windows and let the sea breeze flow through. Doing so gives the full "I'm in the islands" effect.  Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

the life

Foxy and Lucky relax on Bliss Beach in the late afternoon. Lucky seems to be admiring the sky, or - more likely - a flock of sea birds flying by. I'm more and more convinced these are two of the happiest dogs on the planet! Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

it is what it is

It is what it is.
It's not "good."
It's not "bad."
It just is.
It is what it is.

- Kevin Hernandez, soul brother

what's new: bliss beach lighting

This past weekend we completed the project of adding additional ambient lighting to Bliss Beach.

The new lights reflect off the coconut palm fronds, creating a warm glow in the surrounding areas.

feel good, be happy people

I'm happy and grateful more and more 'feel good, be happy people' are finding Paya Bay! Special guests Diana, Hans, Ellen, and Mike are some of the best. Namaste, my friends.

the law is always working

Each of us is attracting in every moment of our lives. So when you feel that the law isn't working for you because you don't have what you want, realize that the law is responding to you. You are either attracting what you want or you are attracting the absence of what you want.

The law is still working.

- lessons from The Secret

a quote sent by Mom

Cuando Dios te formo derramo su gracia sobre ti.  te dio una hermosa sonrisa.,unos ojos llenos de encanto.,una  personalidad maravillosa y un noble corazon.,tu eres el tesoro mas  valioso del universo.,ama, cuidate, valorate y que nada ni nadie te robe la felicidad...

It translates thus: "When God created you, he shed his grace on you.  He gave you a beautiful smile, eyes full of wonder, a wonderful personality, and a noble heart. you are the most precious treasure of the universe. love, care for, and value yourself. don't let anyone or anything steal your joy ..."

This is not a one-time thing. Since I can remember, this has always been her message to me.  Every man (and woman) should be so lucky to have a mother like this. I've said it before and I'll say it again, my mother is an angel.

soul vibrating tribal energy

The Garífunas perform at last night's Tribal Beach Party. Like Paya Bay, they only get better. Adelante Victor y compañia!

Note their instruments. These include a turtle shell that is tapped rhythmically with a single drumstick (left), a shaking instrument full of seeds (rear right), and the treble and bass African drums. (Not pictured above are the maracas and a beautiful seashell used as a horn.)

The drums are amazing. As group leader Victor (seated front right with the big bass drum) says, "These drums... they can even wake the dead."

On another occasion, Edison (Victor's brother and a friend; I love his name, because - like me - he was named after a famous historical figure, which, apparently, was the thing to do in the 1970's "hippie" Honduras) holds the musical seashell.  The music of the seashell is primal, haunting, and speaks to the soul.